Fiat used by Pope fetches $300,000

NEW YORK: A four-door hatchback Pope Francis used while visiting New York in September has fetched $300,000 at auction, said the website that held the sale. The black Fiat 500 Lounge was one of two such mini Popemobiles that ferried the pontiff around the Big Apple. At more than 12 times its base price, it was snapped up by millionaire businessman Miles Nadal, who already owns more than 130 cars and motorbikes, according to the Charitybuzz auction website. Proceeds will go to Catholic schools and charities in the New York diocese, as well as two international agencies: Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. “In a couple of occasions, (Pope Francis) was in the Popemobile. For the rest of his time, when he was not in the Popemobile, this is how he traveled around in the motorcade,” New York Archdiocese spokesman Joseph Zwilling said earlier this week.